tweens

Three Tips for Talking to Teachers...Advice From a Teacher

You got the call that every parent dreads…there was a problem today,
and your student’s teacher wants to have a MEETING!  Here’s some advice
to help you get past the problem and create a solution.
By Carrie Robertson

Know that we want to help:  Teachers do what they do because they want to
help young people…period.  Do we have bad days? Of course!  Do we make
mistakes? Of course.  If you can approach teachers knowing that they really do
want what is best for your student, you will be able to work as a team.

Ask lots of questions, and have an open mind: Whether the problem is
academic or disciplinary, remember to listen to all sides.  If you enter the meeting
with the attitude of “going in to battle”, you won’t be able to help your student and the teacher solve the problem.

Keep in touch:  Check back as often as you need to with the teacher and your
student to make sure that the problem is resolved.  If the teacher is resistant to
resolving the issue, don’t be afraid to go above them to a vice principal or the
principal to make sure that the issue is resolved in a positive manner.

Carrie Robertson is a former middle school and high school classroom teacher
who now runs her own tutoring business in the San Fernando Valley for students
in grades 4-12.